Console assembly

ABSTRACT

A console assembly generally includes a console body and an armrest movably coupled to the console body. The console body defines an interior console cavity. The armrest can rotate relative to the console body about an axis of rotation between a closed, locked position and an open, unlocked position. Moreover, the armrest can move linearly relative to the console body between the open, unlocked position and an open, locked position. In the closed, locked position, the armrest covers the interior console cavity of the console body. When the armrest is in the open, unlocked position, the interior console cavity is accessible. When the armrest is in the open, locked position, the interior console cavity is accessible and the armrest is locked to the console body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a console assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Some vehicles include a center console positioned between a driver seatand a passenger seat. The center console defines a storage compartmentwith an opening through which an occupant of the vehicle can access thestorage compartment.

SUMMARY

A center console sometimes includes a lid that serves as an armrest solong as the lid is in the closed position. However, when the lid is inthe open position and provides access to the console storagecompartment, the lid cannot be used as an armrest. It is thereforeuseful to develop a console assembly with a lid that can function as anarmrest regardless of whether the lid is in the open position or theclosed position. The present disclosure relates to a console assemblywith an armrest that can support a vehicle occupant's arm either whenthe armrest is in the closed position or the open position. When thearmrest is in the open position, one vehicle occupant can have access toconsole storage compartment, while another occupant can rest the arm onthe armrest.

In an embodiment, the console assembly generally includes a console bodyand an armrest movably coupled to the console body. The console bodydefines an interior console cavity. The armrest can rotate relative tothe console body about an axis of rotation between a closed, lockedposition and an open, unlocked position. Moreover, the armrest can movelinearly relative to the console body between the open, unlockedposition and an open, locked position. In the closed, locked position,the armrest covers the interior console cavity of the console body,thereby preventing the vehicle occupants from accessing the interiorconsole cavity. When the armrest is in the open, unlocked position, theinterior console cavity is accessible. When the armrest is in the open,locked position, the interior console cavity is accessible and thearmrest is locked to the console body. The present disclosure alsorelates to a vehicle including the console assembly described above.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages ofthe present teachings are readily apparent from the following detaileddescription of the best modes for carrying out the teachings when takenin connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a console assembly of avehicle, including a console body and an armrest in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the console assembly of FIG.1, depicting the armrest in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the console assembly ofFIG. 1, depicting the armrest in different positions;

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the armrest, theconsole body, and a pin rotatably coupling the armrest to the consolebody;

FIG. 5 is a schematic fragmentary, perspective view of the track of theconsole body and the armrest partly disposed in the track;

FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism forsecuring the armrest to the console body when the armrest is in the openposition, depicting the locking mechanism disengaged from the armrest;

FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism forsecuring the armrest to the console body when the armrest is in the openposition, depicting the locking mechanism engaged to the armrest; and

FIG. 6C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism forsecuring the armrest to the console body when the armrest is in the openposition, depicting the locking mechanism being disengaged from thearmrest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers correspond tolike or similar components throughout the several figures, and beginningwith FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle 10 includes a console assembly 12 in itspassenger compartment. The vehicle 10 may be an automotive vehicle, suchas a car or a truck, or a non-automotive vehicle. Regardless of the kindof vehicle, the console assembly 12 may be disposed between two seatsinside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 and may therefore bereferred to as the center console. At the very least, the consoleassembly 12 is adjacent to one of the seats inside the passengercompartment of the vehicle 10.

The console assembly 12 includes a console body 14 for storing objects.The console body 14 defines an outer console surface 16 and an innerconsole surface 18 opposite the outer console surface 16. The innerconsole surface 18 defines an interior console cavity 20 configured,shaped, and sized to receive different kinds of objects. For example,the interior console cavity 20 can be configured, shaped, and sized toreceive a purse, a bag, or any other suitable object. However, it iscontemplated that the interior console cavity 20 can be specificallysized to receive objects larger or smaller than a purse. Irrespective ofits size, the console body 14 defines the interior console cavity 20,which is capable of receiving objects. The interior console cavity 20may be collectively defined by a first console wall 32, a second consolewall 34, a third console wall 36, and a fourth console wall 38. Thefirst console wall 32 and the third console wall 36 are substantiallyparallel to each other. The second console wall 34 is substantiallyparallel to the fourth console wall 38. The first console wall 32 andthe third console wall 36 are substantially perpendicular to the secondconsole wall 34 and the fourth console wall 38. Aside from the interiorconsole cavity 20, the console assembly 12 may include cup holders 22for holding cups.

In addition to the cup holders 22, the console assembly 12 includes anarmrest 24 for covering the interior console cavity 20 and supporting anarm of a driver or passenger of the vehicle 10. The armrest 24 may havea substantially L-shape and includes a first armrest portion 26 and asecond armrest portion 28 coupled to the first armrest portion 26. Thesecond armrest portion 28 is substantially perpendicular to the firstarmrest portion 26 in order to allow the armrest 24 to support an armwhen disposed in the closed position (FIG. 1) or the open position (FIG.2).

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the armrest 24 is movably coupled tothe console body 14 and can cover (or provide access to) the interiorconsole cavity 20. Accordingly, the armrest 24 can be referred to as alid. The first armrest portion 26 is rotatably coupled to the consolebody 14 and, therefore, the armrest 24 can rotate about an axis ofrotation R (FIG. 1) between a closed, locked position (FIG. 1) and anopen, unlocked position (FIG. 3). In the depicted embodiment, theconsole assembly 12 includes a hinge joint 30 pivotally coupling thearmrest 24 to the console body 14. In particular, the first armrestportion 26 is directly (and pivotally) coupled to the console body 14.The hinge joint 30 includes at least one pin 40, such as a pivot pin,pivotally coupling the armrest 24 to the console body 14. The pin 40extends along the axis of rotation R. The armrest 24 can rotate ninety(90) degrees relative to a horizontal axis H from the closed, lockedposition to the open, unlocked position.

In the closed, locked position, the armrest 24 can completely cover theinterior console cavity 20, thereby preventing access to the interiorconsole cavity 20. Further, the first armrest portion 26 isperpendicular to the first console wall 32, the second console wall 34(FIG. 2), a third console wall 36, and a fourth console wall 38 (FIG. 2)and parallel to the horizontal axis H when the armrest is in the closed,locked position (FIG. 1). When the armrest 24 is in the closed, lockedposition, the second armrest portion 28 is parallel to the first consolewall 32 and the third console wall 36 in order to completely cover theinterior console cavity 20.

The console assembly 12 includes a closure mechanism 42 for maintainingthe armrest 24 secured relative to the console body 14 in the closed,locked position (FIG. 1). The closure mechanism 42 includes a securinglever 44 rotatably coupled to the armrest 24. Specifically, the securinglever 44 is rotatably coupled to the second armrest portion 28 and isbiased toward the console body 14. In particular, the securing lever 44is biased toward a notch 46 defined in the third console wall 36 of theconsole body 14. The closure mechanism 42 includes a closing spring 48coupled to the securing lever 44. The securing lever 44 includes ahandle 50 and a securing protrusion 52 extending from the handle 50. Thesecuring protrusion 52 is configured, shaped, and sized to be receivedin the notch 46 in order to lock the armrest 24 to the console body 14in the closed, locked position. In operation, the closing spring 48biases the securing lever 44 toward the console body 14 in the directionindicated by arrow S. To unlock the second armrest portion 28 of thearmrest 24 from the console body 14, the securing lever 44 can berotated away from the notch 46 in the direction indicated by arrow U.

After unlocking the second armrest portion 28 of the armrest 24 from theconsole body 14, the armrest 24 can be rotated ninety (90) degreesrelative to the horizontal axis H from the closed, locked position tothe open, unlocked position in the direction indicated by arrow N. Whenthe armrest 24 is in the open, unlocked position, the interior consolecavity 20 is accessible, the second armrest portion 28 is parallel tothe horizontal axis H and perpendicular to the first console wall 32,and the first armrest portion 26 is parallel to the first console wall32 and perpendicular to the horizontal axis H.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the console assembly 12 defines atleast one track 54 extending into the outer surface 56 of the firstconsole wall 32. The armrest 24 includes a guiding protrusion 58configured, shaped, and sized to slide along the track 54. The guidingprotrusion 58 extends from the first armrest portion 26. The track 54can be configured as a groove and may have a substantially linear shapein order to allow linear movement of the armrest 24 in a downwarddirection D (FIG. 1).

During operation, after the armrest 24 is in the open, unlockedposition, the armrest 24 can be linearly moved in the downward directionD in order to allow a vehicle's occupant to rest the arm on the secondarmrest portion 28 of the armrest 24. While the armrest 24 moves in thedownward direction D, the second armrest portion 28 moves toward theinterior console cavity 20 and the guiding protrusion 58 slides alongthe track 54. The armrest 24 should be moved in the downward direction Duntil a locking mechanism 60 (FIG. 6) secures the first armrest portion26 to the console body 14 in the open, locked position.

With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the locking mechanism 60includes a locking lever 62 and a button 64 coupled to the locking lever62. The button 64 is movably coupled to the console body 14. The button64 can be pressed (or otherwise actuated) to move the locking lever 62from the locked position (FIG. 6B) to an unlocked position (FIG. 6C).Specifically, a force F can be applied to the button 64 in order to movethe locking lever 62 between the locked and unlocked positions. Amechanism pin 66 rotationally couples the locking lever 62 to theconsole body 14, thereby allowing the locking lever 62 to pivot relativeto the console body 14. A rod 68 operatively couples the button 64 tothe locking lever 62. As such, pressing the button 64 causes the rod to68 to push the locking lever 62. Consequently, pressing the button 64causes the locking lever 62 to rotate about the mechanism pin 66 in thedirection indicated by arrow M, away from the first armrest portion 26of the armrest 24. Releasing the button 64 causes the locking lever 62to rotate toward the first armrest portion 26 of the armrest 24 in thedirection indicated by arrow L. The armrest 24 includes a lockingextension 70 coupled to the guiding protrusion 58. The locking lever 62can engage (e.g., contact) the locking extension 70 in order to lock thearmrest in the open, locked position (FIG. 3).

The locking mechanism 60 includes a locking spring 72 coupled to themechanism pin 66 in order to bias the locking lever 62 toward the lockedposition (FIG. 6C). As shown in FIG. 6A, when the first armrest portion26 is moving in the downward direction D, the locking extension 70 canpush the locking lever 62 (against the biasing force of the lockingspring 72) in order to allow the locking extension 70 to be positionedunderneath a locking portion 74 of the locking lever 62. The lockinglever 62 is then biased toward the locked position (FIG. 6B) and thelocking portion 74 engages the locking extension 70 in order to lock thearmrest 24 in the open, unlocked position.

To unlock the armrest 24, the button 64 can be actuated (e.g., pressed)in order to move the locking lever 62 in the direction indicated byarrow M toward the unlocked position (FIG. 6C). Next, the armrest 24 canbe moved in an upward direction W until the armrest 24 reaches the open,unlocked position. When the armrest 24 moves in the upward direction W,the second armrest portion 28 moves away from the interior consolecavity 20. Then, the armrest 24 can be rotated about the axis ofrotation R (FIG. 1) relative to the console body 14 in the directionindicated by arrow C in order to cover the interior console cavity 20.The armrest 24 should be rotated until the securing lever 44 engages thenotch 46 in order to lock the armrest 24 to the console body 14 in theclosed, locked position (FIG. 1).

While the best modes for carrying out the teachings have been describedin detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relateswill recognize various alternative designs and embodiments forpracticing the teachings within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A console assembly, comprising: a console body defining an interiorconsole cavity; an armrest movably coupled to the console body, whereinthe armrest is rotatable relative to the console body about an axis ofrotation between a closed, locked position and an open, unlockedposition, and the armrest is linearly movable relative to the consolebody between the open, unlocked position and an open, locked position;wherein, in the closed, locked position, the armrest covers the interiorconsole cavity of the console body; wherein, when the armrest is in theopen, unlocked position, the interior console cavity is accessible; andwherein, when the armrest is in the open, locked position, the interiorconsole cavity is accessible and the armrest is locked to the consolebody and positioned for supporting an arm of a vehicle occupant.
 2. Theconsole assembly of claim 1, wherein the armrest has a substantiallyL-shape and includes a first armrest portion movably coupled to theconsole body and a second armrest portion coupled to the first armrestportion, the second armrest portion is substantially perpendicular tothe first armrest portion, and the second armrest portion is configuredto be directly coupled to the console body when the armrest is in theclosed, locked position.
 3. The console assembly of claim 2, wherein thearmrest is movably coupled to the console body such that the secondarmrest portion is linearly movable relative to the console body towardand away from the interior console cavity.
 4. The console assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a hinge joint rotatably coupling the armrestto the console body.
 5. The console assembly of claim 4, wherein thehinge joint includes at least one pin pivotally coupling the armrest tothe console body.
 6. The console assembly of claim 2, wherein theconsole body further includes a console wall, the console wall includesan inner console surface and an outer console surface opposite the innerconsole surface, the inner console surface at least partially definesthe interior console cavity, the outer console surface faces away theinterior console cavity, the outer console surface is outside theinterior console cavity, the console body defines at least one trackextending into the outer console surface such that the at least onetrack is outside the interior console cavity, and the at least one trackis configured as a linear groove defined along the outer consolesurface, the armrest includes a guiding protrusion sized to be slidablydisposed in the at least one track, and the at least one track isconfigured to guide a linear movement of the armrest between the open,unlocked position and the open, locked position.
 7. The console assemblyof claim 6, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lockthe armrest to the console body in the open, locked position and aclosure mechanism configured to lock the armrest to the console body inthe closed, locked position, wherein the console wall is a first consolewall, the console body includes a second console wall, the secondconsole wall defines an inner wall surface and an outer wall surfaceopposite the inner wall surface, the inner wall surface partiallydefines the interior console cavity, the outer wall surface faces awayfrom the interior console cavity, the second armrest portion is directlycoupled to the console wall at the outer wall surface when the armrestis in the closed, locked position, the closure mechanism includes asecuring lever rotatably coupled to the second armrest portion, thesecuring lever includes a handle and a securing protrusion extendingfrom the handle, the console body defines a notch extending into theouter wall surface, and the securing protrusion is sized to be receivedin the notch so as to lock the armrest to the console body when thearmrest is in the closed, locked position.
 8. The console assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking lever movablycoupled to the console body, the locking lever is movable relative tothe console body between an unlocked position and a locked position, thelocking lever engages the guiding protrusion when disposed in the lockedposition in order to maintain the armrest secured to the console body,and the locking mechanism further comprising a mechanism pinrotationally coupling the locking lever to the console body such thatthe locking lever is pivotable relative to the console body.
 9. Theconsole assembly of claim 8, wherein the locking lever is disengagedfrom the guiding protrusion when disposed in the unlocked position. 10.The console assembly of claim 9, further comprising a locking extensioncoupled to the guiding protrusion, wherein the locking lever is biasedtoward the locked position, and the locking lever is positioned relativeto the console body such that the locking lever contacts the lockingextension and locks the armrest to the console body only when thearmrest is in the open, locked position.
 11. The console assembly ofclaim 9, further comprising a button movably coupled to the console bodyand a rod coupled to the button, wherein the rod interconnects thelocking lever and the button such that actuating the button causes thelocking lever to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.12. A vehicle, comprising: a center console body defining an interiorconsole cavity; an armrest movably coupled to the center console body,wherein the armrest has a substantially L-shape and includes a firstarmrest portion and a second armrest portion coupled to the firstarmrest portion; wherein the first armrest portion is rotatable relativeto the center console body about an axis of rotation between a closed,locked position and an open, unlocked position, and the first armrestportion is linearly movable relative to the center console body betweenthe open, unlocked position and an open, locked position such that thesecond armrest portion is linearly movable away and toward the interiorconsole cavity; wherein, in the closed, locked position, the armrestcovers the interior console cavity of the center console body; wherein,when the armrest is in the open, unlocked position, the interior consolecavity is accessible; wherein, when the armrest is in the open, lockedposition, the interior console cavity is accessible and the armrest islocked to the center console body and positioned for supporting an armof a vehicle occupant; and wherein the center console body includes aconsole wall, the console wall defines an inner wall surface and anouter wall surface opposite the inner wall surface, the inner wallsurface partially defines the interior console cavity, the outer wallsurface faces away from the interior console cavity, and the secondarmrest portion is directly coupled to the console wall at the outerwall surface when the armrest is in the closed, locked position.
 13. Thevehicle of claim 12, wherein the first armrest portion is perpendicularto the second armrest portion, and the second armrest portion isconfigured to be directly coupled to the center console body when thearmrest is in the closed, locked position, and the second armrestportion is entirely disposed outside the interior console cavity whenthe armrest is in the closed, locked position.
 14. The vehicle of claim12, further comprising a hinge joint rotatably coupling the armrest tothe center console body, wherein the center console body defines anopening leading into the interior console cavity, and the armrestcompletely covers the opening when the armrest is in the closed, lockedposition such that the interior console cavity is inaccessible.
 15. Thevehicle of claim 14, wherein the hinge joint includes at least one pinpivotably coupling the armrest to the center console body.
 16. Thevehicle of claim 15, wherein the center console body defines at leastone track, the at least one track is disposed outside the interiorconsole cavity, the armrest includes a guiding protrusion sized to beslidably disposed in the at least one track, and the at least one trackis configured to guide a linear movement of the armrest between theopen, unlocked position and the open, locked position.
 17. The vehicleof claim 16, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lockthe armrest to the center console body only in the open, locked positionand a closure mechanism configured to lock the armrest to the centerconsole body only in the closed, locked position.
 18. The vehicle ofclaim 17, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking lever movablycoupled to the center console body, the locking lever is movablerelative to the center console body between an unlocked position and alocked position, and the locking lever is coupled to the guidingprotrusion when disposed in the locked position in order to maintain thearmrest secured to the center console body only when the armrest is inthe open, locked position.
 19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein thelocking lever is disengaged from the guiding protrusion when disposed inthe unlocked position.
 20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the lockinglever is biased toward the locked position, the closure mechanismincludes a securing lever rotatably coupled to the second armrestportion, the securing lever includes a handle and a securing protrusionextending from the handle, the center console body defines a notchextending into the outer wall surface, and the securing protrusion issized to be received in the notch so as to lock the armrest to thecenter console body when the armrest is in the closed, locked position.